The competition for the design of the entrance group of the Ukraine Hotel, one of the seven Stalinist skyscrapers, was initiated by the Chief Architect of the city of Moscow Sergey Kuznetsov on February 15, 2013. As we already reported, three teams became the finalists:
- TPO Lesosplav (Russia) with the participation of Malishev Wilson Engineers (Great Britain)
- Studio 44 (Russia)
- ABD architects (Russia) with the participation of Werner Sobek Moskwa (Russia)
In total, 43 applications from 17 countries of the world were submitted for participation in the competition. In the competition, a mixed system of selection of participants in the second round was applied: 5 teams were selected on the basis of qualification selection, 5 more teams were invited to participate outside the “qualification” procedure. This structure of the competition allowed both young companies and well-known architectural firms with international experience to participate in the second round. Out of the three finalists, Lesosplav Bureau made it to the second round of the sketch, two other participants were invited.
Let us remind you that the customer of the competition is Hotel Ukraina, the consultant is KB Strelka. The competition was supported by the Moscow Committee for Architecture, the Moscow Heritage Committee and the Union of Moscow Architects.
We present the works of the finalists of the competition and other participants of the second stage with author's descriptions.
Finalists of the competition
TPO Timber rafting with the participation of Malishev Wilson Engineers
“The proposed concept of the new entrance group of the hotel solves several fundamental tasks: to be as independent as possible, both constructively and stylistically, but at the same time not to enter into compositional dissonance with the existing architectural monument. The object fulfills not only its utilitarian function of a protective visor, but, at the same time, is an independent work of modern design that stands in contrast to the historical building. A dialogue of old and new is created at different levels: rhythm, scale and material.
The solution of the entrance group of the hotel "Ukraine" is a visually light tape-canopy with a length of about 250 meters made of snow-white milk glass, held above the ground with the help of thin chrome-plated columns. The canopy supports are freely arranged with a broken step within three to six meters, so that the newly formed rhythm does not violate the existing composition of the historical building and sounded "its own melody."
The linear structure of the canopy, hovering between Kutuzovsky Avenue and the Taras Shevchenko embankment, turns the main approach to the building and the descent to the embankment into a single promenade. The canopy is located along the main facade of the building and on its way crosses the carriageway in two places (in the local driveway area along the lateral north-western facade and in the embankment area). Thus, the arranged shed covers not only the access ramp to the hotel, but also creates the prerequisites for the emergence of a new public space, a place for meetings and walks."
Studio 44
“The canopy over the entrance to the hotel“Ukraine”is a metal“sheet”(“towel”) 112 m long, suspended with a slight bend to massive propylae. Propylaea are assembled from cast iron blocks of square section (6 x 6 m). The height of the blocks corresponds to the rhythm of the horizontal division of the basement of the hotel. The blocks are based on plinths, also cast from cast iron. One of the kerf elements is a structural support, the other serves as a counterweight. The counterweight is supported by a cylindrical hinge made of extra strong steel. This is the only stroke of asymmetry in a strictly symmetrical composition. An independent structure on independent foundations is installed indented from the pylons of the existing portico, which makes it possible to interpret it as a kind of avant-portico. Belonging to a different tectonic system and figurative structure than the order architecture of the building, the architecture of the avan-portico avoids both comparison with it and opposition. This is not a contrast or fawning, but neutrality, “extraterritoriality,” autonomy.
The dimensions of the pedestals, the rhythm of their horizontal divisions, as well as the distance between the propylae, on the contrary, correlate the new element with the monumental scale of the building. An extensive public space is formed under the canopy of the avant-portico, which can be used for various events.
Associations with a towel hint to the visitor that bread and salt is inside …"
ABD architects with the participation of Werner Sobek Moskwa
The entrance portico of the Ukraine Hotel with four double massive columns and monumental doors is original in itself and is one of the most important elements of the building's facade. Therefore, the main task in the design of the entrance visor was the creation of an architectural object that does not have a negative perception on the facade, does not violate the compositional construction of the building. The architecture of the new structure should be neutral, visually light, not engaging in dialogue with the building.
The canopy over the entrance is designed in the form of a rectangular “blade” plate that overlaps the entrance area and access ramps. The volume is devoid of visible supports, which visually lightens the structure, making it weightless. Since the constant illumination of the inner surface of the visor is assumed, it will be perceived as a large but thinnest lamp floating in the air.
The extended large-scale facade line of the visor emphasizes the rhythm of the horizontal divisions of the building facade. The structure of the canopy is formed by a system of cross trusses, supported by steel supports (working in compression), built into the existing columns, and fixed with steel brace rods located between the pylons at the outer wall of the portico. Load-bearing vertical structures are supported by existing foundations. The lower surface of the visor is filled with lightboxes and built-in LED strips, which provide uniform illumination of the entire surface. It is proposed to clear the area along the main entrance of the congestion of cars, and to organize lawns and squares on the vacated areas."
The rest of the participants of the second round
Balmond Studio (UK)
“The concept proposes a combination of modern structures and materials with a spatial interpretation of the modular grid of the facade of the historical entrance hall, in terms of the metaphor of leaving a 'footprint'. "Trace" is like a winding line in space, the trajectory of which is determined by the proportions of the existing portico. The line runs through the façade, leaving a trail of continuous turns, and forms the silhouette of the self-supporting frame. A second line rotates along this wireframe line, forming the shell of the steel cladding. The bends of the structures are due to the desire to emphasize the details of the facade. At the same time, the very construction of the new entrance group is independent and does not rely on the existing building.
The new metro station and the current development of nearby sections across the road, including Taras Shevchenko Square, will provide an excellent view of the historic façade. The main views from the square are emphasized by the entrance ensemble. During the day, light shines through layers of filled and empty spaces, creating a bright and inviting canopy to enter the hotel. At night, the entrance is illuminated by animated LED strips, playfully pulsing through transparent cells. Its rhythms produce different perceptions from different angles, creating a new language and actualizing the significance of the Ukraine Hotel as a historical building."
Arch Group (Russia)
“The main task of the project is to return the facade of the Hotel Ukraine to its original appearance - without a visor. The work presents the search for an optimal solution to the problem and a comparative analysis of possible approaches to this solution. The search is based on the assertion that any visor or awning spoils the original idea of the solemn facade of the hotel "Ukraine". When viewed from the entrance to the building, the visor covers the main element - the majestic portal, above which the entire facade of the building should be visible. The best solution in this situation is the absence of a visor. Various layout possibilities were analyzed and several options were proposed.
"Air Visor". A unique air canopy technology was developed for the project, which cuts off precipitation with a powerful horizontal air flow. With the exception of two horizontal slots, no interference with the historic façade is intended.
Air corridor. Loading and unloading of car passengers is transferred from the entrance to the existing road. Visitors arriving at the hotel are protected from precipitation by two dry passages formed by local air curtains along the entire route.
Glass canopy: A glass canopy protects visitors from the drop-off area to the entrance of visitors.
The underground lobby is straight. The underground lobby is located along the central axis of the entrance group. Guests can take escalators to the hotel lobby from the underground lobby.
The underground lobby is lateral: a small pavilion is being formed on the side of the central portal of the hotel."
MC2 (Italy)
“For the hotel“Ukraine”, the existing entrance lobby in winter is a problem that cannot be solved by building a new canopy, since the canopy cannot protect it from cold and bad weather. However, the meeting of arriving hotel guests can be organized in a space protected from any vagaries of nature. In summer, guests can be greeted through the existing ground entrance group, in the cold season - through a new, underground one. The existing multilevel parking in front of the hotel allows the creation of a hospitality area. The construction of additional underground space will make it possible to use this zone for the placement of retail space, which will change the functional purpose of the existing urban space.
The project allows the portico of the hotel "Ukraine" to return to its historical appearance and includes the integration of various modes and levels of movement, as well as the reorganization of traffic flows throughout the space between Kutuzovsky Prospekt and the Moskva River embankment. The area directly in front of the hotel becomes completely free of car traffic. There is a public garden and a terrace overlooking the embankment. Car traffic will be carried out only in three directions: entrance to the parking lot, entrance to the ramp in front of the hotel in good weather, and also entrance to the underground reception in case of bad weather. The quay on the embankment will also be connected to the hotel by a protected passage. The planned opening of the metro station in the near future makes it possible to plan its connection with the underground shopping areas."
BYND (Germany)
“In periods of rapid historical development, in the exciting cycle of progressive days, a person seeks to cling to something. The future is the movement of history towards eternity, and we are looking for solutions that can withstand the test of time and serve as an anchor in the future, which we will become witnesses of. Hotel Ukraine, one of Moscow's magnificent Seven Sisters, is a perfect example of such an anchor that has been a strong support for the city and its residents for many decades. Only what has been built to last for centuries can stand the test of time.
Our team feels this spirit of "Ukraine" and has always clearly understood the need to create something similar. Not in the sense of suppression or overcoming, but in the sense of recognizing the true strength and creating a new, additional advantage, ready for the challenges of the time. We are not ready to get lost in the cycle of today; instead, we seek to learn from our predecessors. We do not believe that we are superior to them, but we are ready to be part of a new story. If it were a play, “Ukraine” would be a prologue, and Big Boris would be the first act, gathering with the spirit of the times (Zeitgeist) to take a step towards the emergence of the new”.
Pedro Miguel Estrela de Almeida (Portugal)
“The goal is to create an open, light architectural space, devoid of opaque surfaces blocking the view of the historic façade, with a 360º view of the surrounding area at the entrance to the hotel. In order to distinguish between the legacy and the elements of the new intervention, the structural pillars were hidden from view, creating the illusion of no impact on the historic building.
The project is made with elements of the antique style using the same orthogonal matrix in combination with modern technologies and building materials.
The new entrance lobby integrates the defining architectural characteristics of the Ukraine Hotel and enters the interior, where glass and polished stone surfaces create an atmosphere of elegance and opulence. In this approach, the main axis of the building is formed by the entrance portico, the main hall and the main corridor and ends at the Panorama of Moscow, in the area of the reception and lobby bar. The project is based on an orthogonal matrix that reflects geometry, which underlies the architectural concept of the facade of the hotel "Ukraine", the portico and the spatial and structural organization of the entrance to the first floor.
Construction work for the construction of a new entrance group includes the construction of an anchor for fixing the bases of the columns, all other elements are made in advance, which allows the project to be implemented in the shortest possible time with the least impact on the urban landscape and the operation of the hotel."
Wolfgang Buttress (UK) featuring Simmonds Studio
“The hotel entrance is covered with a translucent sculptural veil, the shape of which was conceptually and structurally inspired by the surrounding trees. She personifies a clearing in the middle of a dense forest, which beckons the viewer, intrigues and envelops him.
Using the experience of Fry Otto's research into spatial structures, it is proposed to include features of visual permeability and porosity in the entrance lobby solution, which at the same time create a sense of security for the viewer. But the apparent instability of the structure is deceiving: the structure is made of stainless steel pipes, and its coatings provide for the effect of wind and snow loads.
The concept embodies contemporary sculptural art. The proposed solution allows the architecture of the hotel to breathe and be appreciated by the viewer; its structure organically coexists with the rhythm of the building, with its life. It is simple and fundamental. It reminds us of what happened here before buildings, before architecture; personifies the combination of delicacy and strength. This delicate veil covers the entrance to a luxurious, landmark building, emphasizing its unique shape, rather than obscuring it. The hotel building itself and the entrance to it have not been modified, but thanks to the proposed solution, the building acquires a new emphasis and significance. Despite the impressive scale of the structure, its installation will take only a few days, which will keep the hotel's usual rhythm of work."
WORKac (USA) featuring Thornton Tomasetti
“Over time, the“Seven Sisters”of Moscow have become an integral part of the urban image of the capital. The buildings were carefully given the distinctive Russian features, first of all, thanks to the use of the arch in the design of the facade, which, in turn, refers to the traditional temple architecture. When creating a new shed for the Ukraine Hotel, our task was to complement the historic building with a new element that would echo the symbolism of the arch, and at the same time create an unmistakably modern addition. Thus, the canopy reflects the other side of the history of Russian art - the lightness and constructive challenge of the Shukhov Tower, the imaginary worlds of Leonidov …
In the proposed solution, the three main arched openings of the entrance group are rethought. The result is an asymmetrical composition of carefully selected elements that complements the historic building. The canopy structure is a system consisting of a tensioned shell of steel plates and internal beams. The stone-clad canopy refers to the historic stonework of the building itself, and at the same time, due to the curvature of the forms, produces a completely modern reading.
To create favorable pedestrian traffic at the entrance to the hotel, we propose to reduce the traffic flow and increase the access of citizens to the river and park. By reducing parking spaces, introducing a two-way lane in front of the building and emphasizing the existing axis of the square leading to the square, our landscape strategy aims to create continuous traffic from the square in the park to the hotel entrance."
composed by Nastya Mavrina
